Diplodash Ice Cream Bash 5k run brings Flint community together for a healthy cause

FLINT, MI -- Wesley Shumpert can't imagine a life without running. As he broke into a run at the beginning of the Diplodash Ice Cream Bash 5k race, the 73-year-old was at home on the pavement.

Shumpert was one of about 400 runners and walkers who took part in the third annual run, which raised money through Diplomat's Helping Hands Foundation to provide co-pay assistance for local patients in need of medication.

Shumpert said he runs for charity in about 25 events each year. A resident of Flint since 1944, he said it's important to give back to the community he's belonged to since the age of 3.

"Someone's got to help them," Shumpert said of patients in need. "I always find a way to give back to the community. People need to be helped here. I still haven't forgotten about downtown after all these years."

Hosted at the YMCA in downtown Flint, the race saw participants winding through downtown Flint, and ending back in the community center's parking lot. Shumpert said the emphasis on physical fitness was a good way to keep the community healthy as well.

"Running keeps you healthy," he said. "It keeps you feeling good. I feel good. I walk everywhere, too, so I never stop."

Steve Wolbert, community relations and government affairs liaison at Diplomat, said the event raised $5,500 through sponsors including the YMCA, Fed Ex and Dairy Queen.

DQ also provided ice cream for runners to enjoy at the finish line.

Wolbert said the goal of $10,000 will likely be reached. Runners donated $20 to register, or $10 if they brought their own race shirt. Wolbert said donations will be tallied Monday.

"Co-pay assistance is a real problem for patients in the community," Wolbert said. "There's a tremendous need to provide lifesaving medication to patients in need. Races like this raise awareness."

Intended as a family friendly event, the race was preceded by the Junior Scoop Shuffle, a shorter race for children. About 20 youngsters took part in the race, which ran around the YMCA, and ended back in the parking lot.

Rocky Lopez of Swartz Creek brought his 4-year-old daughter Isabella along to compete. He said the event is important to the community, as it provides an avenue for the children of the community to get together and exercise.

"I like to keep her active," Rocky said as Isabella stretched and prepared with the other children. "I sign her up for a lot of things like this, because I don't want a couch potato."

Over the three years of the run, Christy White of Flushing has seen the event grow more and more. A project manager at Diplomat, White has participated every year.

She said the race is for a powerful cause, and serves as an important community event.

"With the rising costs of prescriptions, this is a great way to help patients in need," she said. "Every year there are more and more people. It's a smaller race, so there is a lot of camaraderie.

"It's a strong emphasis for physical fitness, and a great exposure for Flint."

Before crossing the finish line, and receiving a frozen treat, runners were treated to the music of DJ Paul EO, also known as Paul OJibway of Lansing, as they got ready to run.

OJibway said he plays four to five charity events per year, and that his music provides an upbeat environment for the runners. He brought along an electric keyboard, saxophone, guitar, flute and harmonica. He is a member of a band, Groove Party, based in Flint.

The group sends individual musicians to charity events all year.

"This is supposed to be fun, and the music adds to that," OJibway said. "There's a lot of mulling around at the beginning, so the music is festive.

"Everyone needs to get out and play. And that's what we're all doing here in different ways. There's not enough of that."